CCNP

A Cisco Certified Network Professional is a person in the IT industry who has achieved the professional level of Cisco Career Certification.

Professional certifications

Prior to February 2020 there were approximately eight professional-level certification programs within Cisco Career Certifications.

CCDP
CCNP Cloud
CCNP Collaboration
CCNP Data Center
CCNP Routing and Switching
CCNP Security
CCNP Service Provider
CCNP Wireless

Cisco has announced that as of February 2020, the above format has been retired and replaced with the following:

CCNP Enterprise
CCNP Data Center
CCNP Security
CCNP Service Provider
CCNP Collaboration
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional

Migration guides to the newer certification exams are available from Cisco at its page.

Required exams

Before February 2020 relevant entry-level certifications needed to be passed in advance if a candidate wanted to attempt the professional level exams. Starting February 2020, no entry-level certification will be required to attempt the CCNP exams.

Validity

The validity of CCNP Certification is 3 years. Renewal requires certification holders to register for and pass same or higher level Cisco recertification exam every 3 years or obtain 80 continuing education credits.

Related certifications

Associate-level certification: CCNA
Expert-level Certification: CCIE